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About TEFL What is TEFL? TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is synonymous with Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). This convention applies to the rest of this website. TEFL is a specialised form of teaching; essentially it is teaching English to non-native speakers. It requires specialised training and teaching methods as well as a strong and clear understanding of the nuances and beauty of the English Language. Why English? In today's global village, it is without a single doubt that the most important language is the English Language. These are the undeniable facts: 75% of the world's mail and 80% of its electronic information are in English. 1 It is
being spoken as a native language by nearly 400 million people and
as a second language by 800 million people in every continent in
the world.2 English is the working
language for world politics, global communication, business and
mass media. Even for the Olympics, China recognises its importance
and has taken drastic measures to raise the English standards before
the major international event. The English language is indisputably
the lingua franca of the world.As a result, Teaching English has become a primary door for work and missions in many countries in the world. Today, over 80% of the world's population live in nations that restrict missionary visas. 3 Missionary "tentmakers" are using this skill to reach into China, North Africa, and other areas where regular missionaries cannot enter. Similarly, teachers who want a change of teaching environment are using this skill to teach overseas where students tend to be more responsive and enthusiastic.Is TEFL necessary? However, the biggest misconception in Teaching English is this: just because one speaks English does not mean he or she can teach it. Griffith says, "It is my opinion that anyone coming to teach English... needs some training minimum though it be." Teaching English is not a natural gift for many; it requires education, training and experience. In fact, some countries demand potential candidates of English teachers to produce recognised TEFL qualifications. Firefish Linguistics together with Norwood English can equip you with the necessary TEFL training and skills to enable you to obtain a recognised TEFL certificate or diploma. |
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